It’s almost time. The clocks have gone back, the thick duvet is down from the attic and the heating is on… Soon boards, skis, snowshoes, thermals and goggles will be coming out to play. But what are the best winter sports holiday destinations? What makes a place good for winter sports?…

At most Italian snowboarding resorts you will see ridiculous retro one-piece suits (worn by skiers) and posing glitterati. However Italy actually offers a great deal more to the snowboarder than cheap laughs, it has great terrain, very good and reasonably priced food, affordable accommodation and the beer is cheaper than…